When my friend suggested we take a jaunt up to Edinburgh for New Year’s, I thought she was crazy. I’m not a huge fan of crowds and I kept envisioning throngs of inebriated tourists rioting through the streets. However, it was her itinerary and visit, so I agreed and started making arrangements. Hogmanay in Edinburgh is not your ordinary New Year’s Eve party – it’s one of the largest celebrations in Europe and is spread over a few days. And it’s one you won’t want to miss.

History of Hogmanay

Many believe Hogmanay is rooted in Gaelic or Norse traditions in the early centuries. The word “Hogmanay” is the Scottish word for the last day of the year, and also doubles as a sweet treat or gift given to children and loved ones on this day. Oddly enough, during the 1600s, the Church of Scotland clamped down on holiday celebrations and until 1958, the Scots would work through Christmas and other holidays. Today, the Hogmanay Festival (which began in 1993 in its current form) is one of the most recognized celebrations in the country.

Hogmanay Festival

Shenanigans at this three-day festival begin every year on Dec. 30. Thousands of locals and visitors alike kick things off with the Torchlight Procession. Participants are given a massive torch and line up along the bridges connecting the old and new towns. One torch is lit, which then lights the entire pack. The procession snakes its way through the city, along the Royal Mile, past Holyrood Palace and ending at Holyrood Park. Fireworks light up the night sky to celebrate the coming year.

Beginning late morning on Dec. 31, streets begin to close and the revelry begins. Plenty of family-friendly activities take place during daylight hours – including arts and crafts, and performances. The debauchery really begins when the Street Party opens. Huge screens line the streets, vendors with piping hot chips and plenty of adult beverages seem to magically pop up. We took our 11 and newly-minted 15-year-old to this event; however, we also had a quick conversation of what type of behavior they may encounter. Life lesson number one: know your limits.

The Street Party is a hot, crowded mess, but it’s also one of the most fun and entertaining festival experiences I’ve had. The closer it gets to midnight, the more crowded it gets. Just be sure you’ve got everything you’ll need with you. Many events don’t allow you to re-enter once you’ve left the area. Dazzling pyrotechnics illuminate the stunning Edinburgh Castle at midnight, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” by hundreds of thousands of revelers is pretty fantastic.

Know Before You Go

Tickets are required for a majority of the events at Hogmanay. You can purchase or reserve your spot ahead of time at www.edinburgheshogmanay.com. Rooms and accommodations are starting to fill quickly. If you participate in the Torchlight Procession, be sure to wear clothing you don’t mind getting melted wax or ash on. Also, most of the festivities take place outdoors, so you’ll want to bundle up.